Rainy weather unfavorable for quake rescue

BEIJING - Rainy weather forecast for the earthquake-hit mountainous region in southwest China may hinder rescue efforts during the coming three days, the national observatory said Saturday.

The region in Yiliang county of Yunnan Province and neighboring areas in Guizhou Province is expected to experience shower or moderate rainfall from Saturday to Monday, the National Meteorological Station forecast.

The observatory warned the risk of rain-triggered geological disasters in the quake-ravaged region and urged local authorities and rescuers to enhance monitoring.

A total of 80 people have been confirmed dead as of 8 am Saturday after multiple earthquakes struck Yiliang and neighboring areas on Friday.